Panel endorses supporting local farmers and improving access to healthy foods for Hoosiers
STATEHOUSE – An Indiana House Committee today passed legislation authored by State Rep. Justin Moed (D-Indianapolis) seeking to increase access to locally grown produce for all Hoosiers, particularly individuals living in areas classified as food deserts.
Food deserts are defined as regions where affordable and nutritious food is difficult to obtain. The Indiana House Agriculture & Rural Development Committee endorsed Moed’s amendment to House Bill 1248, which establishes the Local Food & Farm Council as an advisory council to the Department of Agriculture. The Council would provide a forum to share policies across the state to help grow communities with restricted access to healthy foods.
“By leveraging Indiana’s history of agriculture, we can find workable solutions to eliminate food deserts,” said Moed. “This is equally a matter of public health. Indiana is nationally ranked 8th for obesity, and providing healthy and affordable alternatives to convenience stores and fast food restaurants will help reduce the prevalence of obesity in our communities.”
The legislation garnered immense support from a diverse coalition of organizations. Representatives from the American Heart Association, Hoosier Farmers Market Alliance, Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce, Indiana Farm Bureau, IU Health, Feeding Indiana’s Hungry, Indianapolis Food Co-op, and Hoosier farmers testified on the bill’s behalf during today’s committee hearing.
“Our state imports 90 percent of the food we consume at an annual cost of $14.5 Billion,” said Moed. “Our goal is to help local farmers grow and meet this demand. I believe we can strengthen our Indiana economy by growing more of our food here locally.”
Moed combined bipartisan efforts with State Reps. Robin Shackleford (D-Indianapolis), Lloyd Arnold (R-Leavenworth), and Chris Judy (R-Fort Wayne) on HB 1248.
The measure passed committee with a vote of 12-1 and now advances to the full House for further legislative consideration.